Modern History China Evidence

Chinese Civil War 1945-1949

“The peasants are the sea we are the fish. The sea is our habitat.” - Mao
“Fascism is what China needs most.” - Jiang
Despite land losses, CCP doubled to 2 million, received support of 2 million peasants and controlled over 90 million people
GMD misused 3 billion US dollars lost to corruption
Some estimates suggest as many as 4.2 million died during the Civil War period, with millions more killed by both sides through executions and purges

The founding of the PRC 1949

Pre - Food Production and food shortages down by 25%

80% Increase in Industry and a 4% agriculture
Population Grew by 15 million people

“Women Hold up half the sky.” - Mao

“Let a Hundred flowers bloom” - Mao
300,000 were imprisoned 2.9 million labelled a rightist
“I have witnessed the tremendous energy of the masses on this foundation is it possible to accomplish any task whatsoever.” - Mao

The Great Leap Forward 1958-1962

“Unleash tremendous energy of the masses.” - Mao
Overtake Britain in 15 years and USA in 20-30 years
By the end of 1958 over 50,000 peasants were put in 26,000 communes

“The Commune is the ladder. If we build the ladder we can climb the heights.” - Mao
32%,31%,18% - increase in steel, coal, electricity
Killed 30-40 million people
88% of total output was bought by the government mostly to pay off foreign debt

Lushan Confrence - “How can Chairman Mao escape responsibility.” - Peng

The Cultural Revolution 1966-1976

“Seize power and overthrow the bourgeoise” - Mao
1.5 million killed
Bourgeoise made up 5% of population before CR then dropped to 1.8%
Over 12 million red guards

“The force at the core of leading our revolution forward is the youth of our population.” Mao
Agricultural loss 9%
Industrial Production fell 13.8% Construction fell by 33%

Chinas Foreign Policy 1950-1960

“Reddish of Radishes Red on the inside but white on the outside.” - Stalin
“Without the help of USSR success was far beyond our reach.” - Mao

800 million dollars loaned to PRC
High interest loans of 12% per annum
“Russia took advantage of Chinas position - Juhn Shreker
“Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.” - Deng

Deng Xiaoping

“It doesn’t matter if the cat is black of white, as long as it chases mice.” - Deng
Household responsibility system: 98% of peasants
200 million GDP increase in 1978
10,000 science and tech projects
Foreign direct investment grew from 16 billion to 100 billion 1970s-1990s

“Its glorious to be rich.” - Deng
Prevented 400 million births

15% rise on social issues

Tiananmen Square Massacre 1989

“This storm was bound to happen sooner or later. It is fortunate that it happened when it did and that we were able to handle it with a resolute hand.” - Deng
150,000 and 350,000 troops - deployed

Over 200 civilians killed, Civilian deaths are widely believed to be much higher, with most credible estimates ranging from 300 to 2,000 killed
More than 6,000 civilians were injured during the crackdown